﻿REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburghhttps%3a%2f%2fwww.realtorspgh.com%2fDefault.aspx%3fTabId%3d55%26ctl%3drss%26mid%3d530%26language%3den-USRSS documenthttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1508/Window-to-the-Law-How-to-Avoid-Illegal-MarketingWindow to the Law video.]]>Fri, 10 Aug 2018 18:06:00 GMThttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1508/Window-to-the-Law-How-to-Avoid-Illegal-Marketinghttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1504/Who-owns-that-pothole-Plows-that-roadAllegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald tweeted about a tool that is available to anyone who travels roads within the county's boundary. The "Who Owns My Infrastructure?" website was developed by the CountyStat department of Allegheny County.

The site allows you to find a specific address or a general street to determine what government body (state, county or local municipality) maintains streets, and parks within the county.

Our region can experience a wide range of extreme weather that contributes to potholes (some call them craters) on our roads. At times it can be difficult to determine who is responsible to fix the road or even plow the snow. Especially when one road may be within multiple jurisdictions. This site will help us find the responsible party and get the job on their radar.

]]>Wed, 01 Aug 2018 16:21:00 GMThttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1503/Tech-HelpLine-is-Your-FREE-Tech-Supporthttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1502/Flood-Insurance-Program-ExtendedAt the July 31st deadline, the United States Senate passed a short-term extension to the National Flood Insurance Program. The National Association of REALTORS® has been pushing for an extension and reforms to the programs for months. NAR launched a nationwide call-for-action urging REALTORS to contact their US Representatives and Senators.

]]>Tue, 31 Jul 2018 17:44:00 GMThttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1502/Flood-Insurance-Program-Extendedhttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1498/New-RELRA-Changes-Begin-Aug-28
The act goes into effect on Aug. 28, however, in order to fully implement these changes, the State Real Estate Commission will need to create educational, regulatory and policy criteria. Once criteria is established, real estate schools will need to develop new content and have it approved.

In addition, a licensee must hold a license for at least three years and have completed at least three hours of continuing education on BPO topics during the current or prior license period. The same requirements must be met by a broker or associate broker before being able to sign off on a BPO performed by a salesperson.

It’s also important to understand that just because BPOs are legal doesn’t mean all brokers allow them in their practices. Like any other licensed service, the ultimate right to set rules belongs to the broker. Brokers have the authority to prohibit BPO practice within an office, or to establish whatever legal limits they wish.

Those who work with individuals who want to become licensed real estate agents, should be aware that pre-license education requirements have been increased from 60 to 75 hours and new applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

For a detailed FAQ which outlines the RELRA amendments and implications, please visit PAR’s website. If you have questions, please email PAR.

]]>Tue, 24 Jul 2018 14:21:00 GMThttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1498/New-RELRA-Changes-Begin-Aug-28https://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1497/Leadership-Candidates-NeededRAMP is looking for some REALTOR® leaders among us. We need you to volunteer to be a candidate to run in the Board of Directors election in September. Our Nominating Committee will be assembling a slate of candidates during the next several weeks. If you wish to be considered for the election, we would love to hear from you. The term on the Board of Directors would be a three-year term spanning 2019, 2020, and 2021. If you are interested, please contact RAMP Executive Vice President John Petrack at 412-563-5200 ext 12 or send John an email.]]>Fri, 20 Jul 2018 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1497/Leadership-Candidates-Neededhttps://www.realtorspgh.com/news/ArtMID/523/ArticleID/1488/Commercial-Real-Estate-Work-GroupTHURSDAY, JULY 12, 2018

In a win for commercial real estate, the U.S. Supreme Court announced a ruling on June 21st that states should be able to require online sellers to collect and remit sales tax on purchases. The National Association of REALTORS® submitted a friend-of-the-court brief in favor of this position, because it helps create an even playing field between brick-and-mortar retailers and online businesses. In the case, South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., the Court ruled that the “physical presence” requirement which previously controlled is out of date in an e-commerce era.

NAR’s position is that online retailers today have an advantage over brick-and-mortar stores. Brick-and-mortar stores must charge sales tax on purchases while the obligation to collect taxes in online purchases does not fall on the retailer.